Welcome to the ultimate recipe for High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels! If you’re looking for a delicious, guilt-free way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite, you’ve found it. These bagels are incredibly easy to make, packed with protein to keep you full all morning, and require no yeast or complicated steps. Forget store-bought options; this simple 5-ingredient recipe delivers soft, chewy bagels with a perfectly golden crust every time. They are the perfect canvas for your favorite schmear or sandwich fillings.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a powerhouse breakfast. The secret is using cottage cheese, which not only provides an incredible protein boost but also ensures a moist and tender crumb without any hassle. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
There are so many reasons to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. First, the protein content is a game-changer for starting your day strong and satisfied. Second, the simplicity is unmatched—with just five core ingredients and no waiting for dough to rise, you can have fresh bagels in under 30 minutes. They are also incredibly versatile, perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. This is a breakfast that tastes indulgent but is secretly healthy.
The 5 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these amazing bagels.
- Self-Rising Flour: This is the key to getting a great rise without yeast. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
- Full-Fat Cottage Cheese: The star of our High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels. Full-fat, small-curd cottage cheese works best for a smooth, consistent dough.
- Egg: One egg is used for an egg wash, which gives the bagels their beautiful, shiny, golden-brown finish.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This classic topping adds a savory crunch and immense flavor. Of course, you can use any seasoning you prefer!
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
For those who love a savory start to the day, consider pairing these bagels with a savory high-protein meal later on. It’s all about balanced, delicious eating!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Follow these simple steps for bagel perfection. It’s a straightforward process that even beginner bakers can master.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix; just bring it together.
Step 2: Shape the Bagels
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead for about 1 minute until the dough is smooth and cohesive. It will be slightly sticky. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 6-7 inches long and join the ends to form a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Add Toppings
In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel with the egg wash. This will help the toppings stick and create that beautiful golden color. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning or your topping of choice.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For another fantastic protein-packed breakfast idea, check out our another protein-packed breakfast.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bagels Every Time
Want to ensure your bagels come out perfectly? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Over-Knead: The dough only needs to be kneaded briefly to come together. Over-kneading can make the bagels tough.
- Flour Your Hands: The dough is naturally a bit tacky. Keep your hands lightly floured while shaping to prevent sticking.
- Use Parchment Paper: This is crucial to prevent the bagels from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Check for Doneness: The bagels should be firm to the touch and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Flavor Variations to Try
While everything bagel seasoning is a classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the egg wash before baking for a sweet treat. You’ll love it as much as our a sweet treat.
- Cheese and Herb: Top with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of dried rosemary or thyme.
- Sesame or Poppy Seed: Keep it simple with a classic topping of sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when used as a base. Slice them in half and toast them, then top with cream cheese, butter, or mashed avocado. They also make an excellent base for a breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and bacon, or a lunch sandwich with turkey and swiss. You could even top it with a delicious cheese sauce for a truly decadent snack.
How to Store and Reheat
Store your cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast them in a toaster or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are a fantastic healthy option. They are packed with protein from the cottage cheese, which helps with satiety, and are much lower in carbs and calories compared to traditional yeast-based bagels.
Absolutely! This recipe does not require a food processor. The dough comes together easily in a bowl with just a spatula and a little bit of kneading by hand.
Yes, you can substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free self-rising blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best structure and texture.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. They toast wonderfully from frozen.
The dough is naturally a bit tacky due to the moisture in the cottage cheese. Use a lightly floured surface and floured hands when shaping. If it’s unmanageable, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bagels dry.
The Best High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels (Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and salt. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute until smooth. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 6-inch rope and connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
- Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this recipe for High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels! It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to upgrade your breakfast routine. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us on Pinterest!
